Health & Safety:
The police are very laid back but helpful. There is a small amount of campus crime as there would be in any city, but not enough that one would feel unsafe constantly. Overall, the biggest concerns are crimes off campus.

Athletics:
Athletics are a big source of Wolverine pride. If you like sport culture, you will love Michigan. Even if sports aren't your thing, the parties and celebrations involved are still fun. However, if you really don't want anything to do with sports, there are many other things to do during game days.

Local Area:
Ann Arbor is an amazing city. It has a very hip and bohemian vibe, and there is never a lack of something to do. It is expensive to live in, but you really get a bang for your buck with the sense of community and all of the great things to do.

Academics:
You don't have to know much about Michigan to know that it's one of the best schools in the nation. People sometimes don't like the larger lectures, but there are many ways to work around them (check out the Residential College!). Professors are always experts and are established in their field rather than just teaching. You can rest assured that you are getting an excellent education.

Administration:
The administration understands that we work hard and play hard. Police openly explain that they are mostly concerned with keeping students safe. That means that they may break up overcrowded house parties or stop someone who seems dangerously drunk, but they aren't looking to get students in trouble. As long as you are respectful and use good judgement you shouldn't have a problem.

Party Scene:
Wolverines know how to party. There are party scenes for every preference. Frat parties, large and small house parties, and bars never have a shortage of crowds. The club scene isn't great, but with all the great parties happening, you won't even notice.

Diversity:
There is a lot of diversity and acceptance in terms of sexual orientation and economic background, but recently there have been a lot of issues with racial and ethnic diversity. The school is primarily white, and while the vast majority of students are extremely accepting, there are several examples of racial intolerance or targeting by the administration. However, the overall environment of students is very open and welcoming to all people.

Off-Campus Housing:
Rent in Ann Arbor is expensive. However, because of that, off-campus houses and apartments are in good condition and landlords are very accommodating. Additionally, there are several co-ops just off campus.

Technology:
Many, many computer labs. There is generally at least one in each dorm building, and lots of them in public buildings, and it is rare to have every single computer occupied. There is a good mix of Macs and PCs, and all are new. MWireless sometimes has glitches, but it's very fast when it is working. Each student is given somewhere around 400 prints a semester, so it's rare to have to pay for prints yourself.

Off-Campus Dining:
Ann Arbor is THE place for food. Anything and everything you could ask for, at a great variety of prices. Fancy sit-down jazz clubs, tiny cheap pizza places, authentic ethnic food, anything. There are several solely vegetarian/vegan places within easy walk from central campus.

Academics:
Lots of large classes can be intimidating and impersonal, but Michigan prides itself in having professors that are highly successful outside of just the classroom. That means more connections and opportunities for students in internships, jobs, and smaller learning communities. If you care to look deeper, you will find a smaller community.

Local Area:
Ann Arbor has so much to offer. From its many restaurants, hundreds of public events, and beautiful scenery, the city is truly amazing. The only reason why I wouldn't leave here upon graduating is because I want to start that new chapter of my life in a new place. I'm not one to just stay in one place for too long. I want to see the world, I want to experience other cities, but for the time being, Ann Arbor is fabulous place to live and it can definitely keep a wandering nomad like me occupied for four years.

Academics:
I'm not exaggerating when I say the academics here are "the best". They truly push students to grow and push past limits they place on themselves. The environment is so conducive to learning and there are so many places to meet up with friends, lab partners, or members of a group project to get all your work done. The professors are always available to help and their office hours make having a personal relationship with them more possible which is extremely helpful in the future for letters of recommendation as you'll be getting a review from someone who truly knows you. Aside from the professors, the classes themselves are amazing and there is a wide variety to choose from. There really is a class for everyone here and my advice to incoming freshmen is always to take a few classes solely on the reason that they interest you. You never have another opportunity like this to just learn and study whatever you want, it should be taken advantage of.

Transportation:
The blue buses are honestly the best. Not only are they timely, but they're also connected to a system where you can get real-time updates on where each bus is at on your smartphone. For getting off campus, the Ride is probably the best option as it takes you a little further out in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, and it's free to Michigan students. If you need to get to the airport or even your hometown, U of M has set up a bus service that shuttles students to the airport around breaks and there's also an Amtrak station that can get you on your way to southwest Michigan, Chicago, you name it. The transportation is truly remarkable and extremely convenient and available.

Party Scene:
The nightlife in Ann Arbor is truly amazing. There are so many things to do and see. Whether it's catching an unknown film at the State or Michigan theater, catching a bus to Briarwood and enjoying a night of shopping at the mall, or, for only the very brave, pride night at Necto on fridays. I recently just experienced pride night and it was the best time of my life. Gay, straight, male, female, it doesn't matter, everyone has a great time and there's absolutely no judgment and no bad vibes. Everyone gets along and just dances the night away. I recommend that everyone should get on the pole at least once in their career in Michigan, it's an experience you will never forget.

Campus Housing:
I made the mistake of living on North Campus, and apartment-style at that, as all my classes are on central campus, however, I have spent a lot of time in many of the residence halls and it is truly an amazing thing to experience. There is such a strong sense of community in the dorm life. Everyone knows each other and it is a very effective way of making friends quickly. In Northwood however, the sense of community is lacking a little as we are so divided from one another and you do not often see your neighbors, especially in the winter when no one wants to be outdoors. However, there are still many event in place to help us branch out and get to know one another, but the community life is much stronger in the dorms and I highly recommend that incoming freshman choose dorm life.

Off-Campus Housing:
There are many amazing off-campus housing options at U of M. There are condos, houses, apartments, real anything you could imagine. Rent is relatively affordable for the area and many of the locations closest to campus have nothing but the finest accommodations to offer including being fully furnished and on-site parking.

Greek Life:
I personally have not experienced much of the greek life as it has never had too much of an appeal to me. That said, I have heard nothing but great things from people who are active participants in it. Granted there are some people who think that Greeks are "snobby" or "cliquey" but this is true of non-Greeks as well and it's not fair to make that generalization about a group of people. I have never had an issue with anyone in Greek Life and I even have many friends who participate in it. They all thrive academically, which is no easy accomplishment, especially for some of the long nights they have.

Overall ExperienceWhat's this?

Despite the occasional complaints about weather, students at the University of Michigan love their school. With its outstanding academics in conjunction with its remarkable athletics, Michigan offers a perfect college balance: a great education and a fun social atmosphere. It is not uncommon to find students sporting Michigan gear around campus, and if given a choice, most would choose the school over again. Students love that they can mold their school to best suit their individual needs and desires. Whether they are looking for academics, athletics, or social outlets, Michigan fits the bill: In addition to its highly-ranked academics, it has a highly respected athletic reputation, and Ann Arbor's atmosphere is one to be envied, consisting of restaurants, shops, bars, and much more.
Michigan alumni are expansive in both numbers and location. Michigan's alumni network is one of the largest, with many individuals holding vital positions in their respective industries. Alumni love to return to Ann Arbor for visits and sporting events, often bringing their spouses and children. It has been said, "Once a Wolverine, always a Wolverine."